Fair Happenings

Military Appreciation

2010-07-14T22:17:00.001-07:00

Family Passes can be purchased at Ace Hardware in Oak Harbor or by calling the Fair Office (360) 221-4677.

Fine art? Relief printing? Huh?

2009-11-23T08:17:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Diane Divelbess gave an excellent workshop on Fine Art. The majority of us believe we are great crafters, but when it comes to fine art, we are at a loss. In fact, I would say we are down right intimidated.

Fine art is for the artists right?

Wrong.

In one day, Diane taught us how to transform everyday basic materials into a piece of art we all could be proud to frame and hang on the wall.

We started out with a cardboard base and built a printing block by gluing different pieces of texture on it with a glue stick: lace, screen, ribbon, textured paper, paper doilies, mesh, fabric, staples. Anything was fair game. We were even encouraged to cut away the top layer of the cardboard to expose the corrugated structure.

In many ways it was difficult to design the block because we really didn't know what the print would look like. Would the different textures show up? Did we have areas built up enough or too much? It was also hard to remember that it didn't matter that the block was composed with different colors and materials we wouldn't usually put together. The end result was going to be black. We had to try to envision what image the block itself would create.

When we were satisfied with our 'block', we coated it with polycrylic to prevent the porus surface of all the paper from absorbing the ink and to allow us to use the block more than one time.

While we waited for the polycrylic to dry, Diane put us through our paces with a few art exercises.

It was difficult for many of us to just let go and not worry about the end result of many of the exercises.

Diane also showed us another type of relief printing using water crayons and plastic flexible cutting boards. We drew an image on the cutting board with the crayons, placed a damp piece of paper on the image and rubbed it.

The crayon transferred from the plastic cutting board to the paper. The results were amazing.

By this time, our blocks were ready to be used. Diane gave a us a quick lesson about inking the block and making the print and set us loose.

After seeing how amazing the first print looked we all enthusiastically inked our blocks and began printing.

Guess what?

We mere crafters are artists and we can create fine art! (Diane knew it all along.)

To see more images from this workshop visit our flickr site.

Anyone can participate in the Super 17 workshops. In fact the more, the merrier! Check out the current workshop schedule and if you are interested in attending, drop us an email so we have enough supplies for everyone.

Country Christmas

2009-11-06T08:27:00.001-08:00

We are looking for crafters and artisans for our annual Country Christmas. If you are interested please send us an application. Click here for more information.

The dates for this year's Country Christmas are:

Friday, November 27, 2-7 PM with a $1.00 donation for a preview
Saturday, November 28 & Sunday, November 29, 10 AM to 3 PM
Saturday, December 5 & Sunday, December 6, 10 AM to 3 PM
Saturday, December 12 & Sunday, December 13, 10 AM to 3 PM

Hope to see you there!

E-I-E-I-GO!

2009-11-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Molly Kay! Her logo was selected by the Fair Association for the 2010 Island County Fair. The colors will be light blue, navy blue, kelly green and white.

Super 17 Challenge Workshops

2009-09-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

Many people express a desire to try the Super 17 Challenge, but they don't know how to sew, how to can, how to make wine, how to garden, or even how to start. We are going to try to offer a workshop once a month to cover specific divisions.

The first workshop will be:

1PM Saturday, September 26th in the 4H Building at the Fairgrounds.

We will be making jam. All the jars, pectin, sugar, lids, equipment and instructions will be provided for $1.01 a jar. For a batch of jam that's under $10.00 a person. You need to bring whatever fruit you want to use and clothes you don't mind getting messy (just in case). Blackberries are ready to be picked right now and you can freeze them (be sure to take them out the night before to thaw). You need 5 to 7 cups of crushed fruit for a batch of jam.

PLEASE RSVP by email if you plan to be there. We want to be sure everyone has enough supplies to make a batch of jam. If you have friends who want to compete in the Super 17 Challenge - the more the merrier! Invite them to come and please let us know they are coming.

We hope to see you there and please email and let us know you're coming!

PHEW! We made it!

2009-08-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

You shouldn't ignore a dinner invitation from the president right? Diane, our Fair Association president hosted a wonderful appreciation dinner for all the volunteers who helped make the 2009 Island County Fair a success.

It was great to catch up with everyone after we've had a few nights of good sleep and discuss what was great and what needs a little more work.

There was much laughter, alot of food and many congratulations to go around!

Thank you Diane and Greta for a great evening and thank you once again to all our volunteers for helping us put on a fantastic fair!

To Gary Kay for 25 years of service...

2009-08-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

Many of you may have noticed the new ticket booth as you entered the fair this year.

The two story barn building houses 4 ticket windows and the ticket counting room upstairs accessed by a spiral staircase in each of the silos. Thanks to many volunteers, the ticket booth went from a dream to reality in time for the start of the fair and was dedicated to it's designer, Gary Kay, at the opening ceremony.

Gary has been a hard working volunteer at the fairgrounds for at least 25 years. Maintaining buildings, helping out on small and large projects, hauling equipment all over the grounds and being on hand year round to assist in any crisis with a smile and a positive attitude has made Gary a valuable asset to the Fair.

Thank you Gary for being such a great volunteer!

Concert Ticket Winners!

2009-08-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the following winners of our daily concert ticket drawing:

Thursday night, Lori Chiarizio won tickets to see Clint Black Tuesday, August 18, 7:30 p.m. at the Northwest Washington Fair

Friday night, Connie Dunddridge won tickets to see Heart Wednesday, September 23, 7:30 p.m. at the Puyallup Fair

Saturday night, Elizabeth Reyes won tickets to see Crosby, Stills & Nash Monday, September 14, 7:30 p.m. at the Puyallup Fair

and Sunday night, Bobbie Esser won tickets to see Elton John & Billy Joel Wednesday, November 4, 7:30 p.m.at Key Arena

Thank you to all our fair attendees!

Congratulations to our future artists!

2009-08-19T12:11:00.000-07:00

We had quite a few entries in the Coloring Contest!

The Grand Prize winner was Holley Johnson (age 8)!

Category: up to 5 years
1st: Amy Doolittle (age 4), 2nd: Nicola Murname (age 4), 3rd: Ava Johnson (age 4), 4th: Aiden Pommee (age 5).

Category: 6-8 years
1st: Daniel Oswalt (age 7), 2nd: Avery Pommee (age 7), 3rd: Kelly Murname (age 6).

Category: 9-12 years
1st: Jacqueline Oswalt(age 10), 2nd: Nate Hanson(age 12), 3rd: Steven Wilson(age 10)

Thank you to all the participants!

To our many volunteers:

2009-08-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

A HUGE THANK YOU for all your efforts in helping us put on a fun and successful 2009 Fair! It wouldn't have happened without you!

It must be the Fair!

2009-08-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

The 85th Island County Fair is in full swing! Come join us for great food, animals, entertainment and a DOGGONE good time!

4H Livestock Auction

2009-08-06T07:46:00.000-07:00

Support the 4H Market Animal Project members and get naturally, humanely, locally grown meats for your freezer!

Saturday, August 15, 12:00 Noon

Livestock Arena, Island County Fairgrounds

Beef, Lamb, Pork, and Goat will be offered for bidding.

For more information, contact the WSU Extension Office at 360-240-5558, or visit the livestock barns at the Fair.

Exhibit Entry Day!

2009-08-06T07:28:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, August 8 is exhibit entry day from 1PM to 7PM for the following Open Class Divisions:

Food Preservation
Adult, Junior & Primary Arts & Crafts
Photography
Quilting
Fiber Arts
Needlework
Sewing
Fair Logo Contest
Homemade Beer
Homemade Wine
Educational Displays

We will be accepting exhibits in the departments this year, so bypass the Pole Building and go straight to the Burrier and Malone Buildings! Please check the Premium Book for specific division locations.

We are also taking birdhouses for the Build a Birdhouse Contest in the Fair office and kids can sign up for the Lego Contest in the Malone Building.

We will be accepting exhibits for Baked Goods, Fruits, Vegetables, Grasses & Grains and Floral on TUESDAY, August 11 from 1PM to 7PM. Please note this is TUESDAY and not Wednesday.

See you Saturday!

Fun for the whole family!

2009-08-04T10:01:00.000-07:00

August 1st Deadline coming fast!

2009-07-30T06:45:00.000-07:00

We have a number of deadlines this coming Saturday, August 1st:

Registration for all 4H and Open Class Animal Divisions close at 5PM. (Open Class exhibitors must submit an Open Class Animal Registration Form and all stall fees to the Fair Office by August 1 as well.)

Bring your Open Class Fine Arts entrys to the Fine Arts Department from 10AM to 5PM.

If your group or organization is planning to enter an educational booth, you must contact the Fair Office to make arrangements and register online.

It's a barn raising!

2009-07-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

The ticket booth is coming along!

Special thanks to Gary Kay, Scot Fredrickson, Charlie Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Shawn Poolman, Don Pearson, Wayne Smith, Don Lamontagne, Gary Westergard and David Shinninger for giving their time to this project!

Coloring Contest!

2009-07-16T16:43:00.000-07:00

Calling all young artists! Enter our first ever coloring contest and you could win a prize!

RULES FOR THE 2009 COLORING CONTEST

1. Artist may use any medium: crayons, watercolors, markers, colored pencils, macaroni, acrylics, etc.

2. Age categories:

up to 5 years old
6-8 years old
9-12 years old

3. All work must be done by entrant.

4. DEADLINE: Completed entries must be turned in to the Fair Office by August 8, 2009. Winners will be notified on August 10, 2009.

5. Return entries to:
Island County Fair
Coloring Contest
P O Box 519
Langley, WA 98260

or bring entry to the fairgrounds, located at 819 Camano Avenue in Langley.

The following prizes will be awarded in each age category:

FIRST PLACE
One day unlimited carnival ride pass

SECOND PLACE
One season Fair pass

THIRD PLACE
Winner’s choice of an Island County Fair t-shirt or hat

Click here to download the coloring page and entry form!

New and improved!

2009-06-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

Last week we began construction of the new ticket booth. It will replace the existing ticket booths and give the public access to the fair at one location at the Midway instead of two.

The foundation has been formed and hopefully the concrete will be poured this week.

Carnival Deal!

2009-06-18T20:19:00.000-07:00

10 hours of rides for $18.00!*

Tickets on sale right now at the fairgrounds office from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday thru Friday and at all island branches of Whidbey Island Bank.

Sale ends August 3rd.

Click here for more information.

*Does not include Fair admission.

And away we go!

2009-06-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody!

The Premium Book is at the printer and will be available soon. You can check out the online version right now. We are also accepting online registration for exhibits.

Just click the Online Entry & Premium Book tab to check it out.

Please refer to the Premium Book for all entry deadlines, times and locations.

See you at the fair!

Fair Passport Volunteer

2009-04-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

We are looking for someone to find and manage other volunteers to distribute passports to children and to give out prizes for completed passports during the fair. We have the prizes and the passports and we are able distribute the stamps to the different departments.

Does this sound like something you or your group would like to do? Please contact the fair office (360) 221-4677 or send us an email.

Where does the money come from?

2009-04-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

COUNTY FUNDING (10.7%)

The Island County Fair Board receives no funding to operate the fairgrounds from the County aside from a capital improvement allocation of REET* funds to offset deferred maintenance of the County property entrusted to us. The initial $15,000 allocation was raised to $30,000 in 2007, with the stipulation that the money be used solely to improve the property. It cannot be used for salaries, entertainment or even routine maintenance.

It is only within the past decade that the County Commissioners tapped REET* funds for fairgrounds capital improvements.

Annually in early July, we receive an interfund loan that is repaid at the close of Fair, with interest.

*REET: Real Estate Excise Tax

STATE FUNDING (18.18%)
County and community fairs receive funds from the state Department of Agriculture to help support the premiums and prizes awarded to exhibitors. These funds are apportioned according to each fair’s operation relative to the whole, as reported on an annual basis.

We have applied, and will continue to apply as funds are available, for WSDA safety grants, without which we would not have been able to replace the rusted fencing around the arena, replace rotted wood bleachers on the Midway, rebuild the decrepit Midway food booths and replace the rusted-through roof on the poultry-rabbit barn. Given the fiscal constraints at the state level, it is uncertain that the funding for this program will be included in the 2009 biennial budget.

SELF-FUNDING (71.12%) & expenditures
The rest of our funding is generated by gate attendance, vendor booth fees, food concession percentages and the carnival. In the off-season, storage, camping and facility rentals generate some revenue. We pay one full-time administrator and a part-time maintenance man.

Have a Passion for Patchwork?

2009-03-14T22:12:00.000-07:00

One of the most colorful displays at the Island County Fair each year is the bevy of quilts suspended from the rafters of the Malone Building. While the art of quilting has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, the fair exhibit may become history unless a superintendent can be found for that area.

Sewing and Baked Goods are equally endangered, not because there is a lack of interest in these home arts within the county but because of a shortage of volunteers to stage the exhibits.

Being a skilled quilter, baker or seamstress is not a requirement; simply having an interest in the preservation of the art and making a commitment to accept exhibits and arrange the display is all that’s necessary.

Anyone interested in retaining these traditional exhibits is encouraged to contact the Fair Office at 221-4677.

Fast Facts!

2009-02-17T17:59:00.000-08:00

Did you know that when a cat drinks, it's tongue scoops the liquid up backwards?

That it takes 5 seconds to fill a 4 oz. bottle of glue in the factory?

That the closest living relative to the T-Rex is the chicken?

Wow! We have found many Fast Facts and display 100 of them on our website and all over the fairgrounds during the fair. It's alot of fun and we have learned many interesting tidbits. We would like to add some new Fast Facts to our list. Would you like to help us out? Just email your Fast Fact and you may see it on the home page! Of course we will have to verify it first...

Last Chance!

2008-12-10T19:45:00.000-08:00

This weekend is your final opportunity to finish some holiday shopping for your friends and loved ones at the fairgrounds! Country Christmas wraps up another year Sunday afternoon.

Come down to the fairgrounds and find quality handmade crafts and gifts assembled by local crafters and artisans. Sit back, relax and enjoy a piece of pie or a bowl of soup before returning to the hustle and bustle of the season.

Please join us! No ferry lines or heavy traffic!

Sat., December 13 and Sun., December 14, 10 AM to 3 PM

Face Lift!

2008-11-03T23:59:00.000-08:00

Maybe you've noticed a few changes to the website...

The Fair Association selected Carol Gannaway's logo design for the 2009 Island County Fair. The slogan 'for a dog gone good time' and the colors reddish/brown, gold, black and white will be used.

Congratulations Carol!

2008 WSFA Convention

2008-10-29T21:59:00.000-07:00

Along with a multitude of ideas on how to make a great fair better, Island County Fair was recognized for excellence at the Washington State Fairs Convention in Yakima Oct. 23-25. We came home with the following awards:

Our HAT received the GRAND PRIZE in two categories – Best Use of Theme and Best of Show;

Our WEBSITE was awarded a First Place blue ribbon;

And this PHOTO by Judi Slepyan took Second Place in the Kids & Animals Division.

Ahoy Mateys!

2008-10-24T17:59:00.000-07:00

It has been a great first day at the WSFA Convention in Yakima today! We are working hard to bring home fresh ideas for the 2009 Fair!

Attention Artisans and Crafters...

2008-10-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

Are you an artist or crafter looking for a place to sell your ware’s? Join us at Country Christmas. We offer a blended showroom in the 4-H Building where antiques, collectibles, and quality handmade gifts will be combined for sale. We also have some individual vendor space available.

This year Country Christmas will span three weekends:

Friday, November 28, 2-7 PM with a $1.00 donation for a preview
Sat., November 29 & Sun., November 30, 10 AM to 3 PM
Sat., December 6 & Sun., December 7, 10 AM to 3 PM
Sat., December 13 & Sun., December 14, 10 AM to 3 PM

The fee for an individual vendor space is $15 per weekend or $35 for all 3 weekends. The fee for the blended show is $10 per weekend. The commission remains 15% of all sales. All earnings, after advertising and other expenses, go to the Island County Fair Association, earmarked for scholarships, fairground improvements and projects.

The Island County Fair Association will be serving homemade soup and pie in a cozy atmosphere for relaxation and visiting with friends and neighbors.

If you are interested in participating, please review the guidelines and submit an application.

Country Christmas (.pdf, 204 KB)

Set Sail for Yakima!

2008-10-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

Wow! Anyone still out there? Things may seems a bit slow, but never fear! We are already working towards the 2009 Island County Fair!

Right now however we are madly finishing up our scrapbook and gearing up for the Washington State Fairs Association Convention in Yakima at the end of this month. This year's theme is 'Treasures to Share'. Aye! We'll be on the lookout for pirates!

We will be attending workshops, participating in roundtable discussions with other fair representatives, reviewing potential entertainment acts and talking to many people in the fair industry. It’s a great opportunity to find out what other fairs in the state are doing, share experiences and bring home some new ideas to try. Our hope is to improve our fair.

For more information about the Washington State Fairs Association or the Convention click here to visit their website.

See you soon!

They will see Legends!

2008-08-24T17:57:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the following winners of our daily concert ticket drawings during the fair:

Thursday, tickets to see Chicago - Mary Ann Pintler of Oak Harbor

Friday, tickets to see Franki Valli and the Four Seasons - Mary Ann Davis of Clinton

Saturday, tickets to see Willie Nelson - Ed Duddridge of Greenbank

Sunday, tickets to see Neil Diamond - Tina Beard of Langley

Hooray for the Malone Building!

2008-08-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

For those of you who might not know, a State Fair Commissioner judges our fair every year. He (or she) walks through all the barns and exhibits, visits with stewards and people on barn duty, counts the number of exhibits we have and then gives us a score on how well we did putting on a fair for the community. That score is what determines how much money will be budgeted to our fair from the State Fair Commission the following year.

As the State Fair Commissioner evaluates the fairgrounds, he (or she) takes note of places on the fairgrounds where people have taken extra effort in their area to make the fair special for the public. He then awards one of those areas the State Fair Commission's Black and White Award. The Black and White Award is one of the highest honors that is given on the fairgrounds each year. It has been awarded to the 4H Horse Division, the Heritage Barn, the 4H Building, Open Class Grains & Grasses, the 4H Dog Division, and even the Fair Board has received it.

This year's judge (and it is a different one every year) was most impressed with the Malone Building. The Malone Building is where the Open Class Floral, Photography, Beer & Wine, Quilts, Sewing, Needlework, Fiber Arts and Fleeces are displayed. The superintendents did a FANTASTIC job setting up the building and displaying the exhibits, but what the judge didn't know is that their work started many years before when they asked if they could refinish the concrete floor in the building. They spent many weeks together scraping, cleaning, scraping, scraping, cleaning, prepping, scraping, sanding, cleaning and painting the floor. It opened the door for them to start working together and make it the best it could be for all the exhibits housed in there. Instead of many different departments, there's one big building chock full of great exhibits. Check it out next year.

Rhonda Permenter, Terry Permenter, MaryAnn Pintler, Joy Smith, Margaret Nichols and Karen Hallett, congratulations on a well deserved Black and White Award and THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK!

What did you think?

2008-08-22T17:28:00.000-07:00

Did you enjoy the fair this year? What was your favorite exhibit? What did you eat? Did you like the entertainment?

Help us plan the 2009 fair! Drop us an email and let us know what you thought.

Birdhouses!

2008-08-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

Look! The wall isn't lonely anymore! 5 people submitted birdhouses for the first Build a Birdhouse contest and they were great! Congratulations to Terry Permenter (the middle one) for receiving the most votes! Start on your birdhouse now and bring it next year!

Exhibits and Premium Checks

2008-08-20T14:34:00.000-07:00

Just a quick reminder that you can pick up your exhibits and premium checks at the Burrier Building (where the Arts & Crafts are) every day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Friday, August 22, 2008. Please note that exhibits remaining on the fairgrounds more than 7 days after the closing of the fair become the property of the Island County Fair and will be disposed of unless prior arrangements have been made. If you cannot make it to the fairgrounds before Friday, please contact the Fair Office to make arrangements to get your things.

WHEW!

2008-08-19T23:21:00.000-07:00

WOW! What a great fair! Obviously there's alot to report on and we will be getting stuff up in the next few days. In the meantime check out the Fair Highlights to see some photos straight from the 84th Island County Fair (more will be coming soon).

A big THANK YOU to all our volunteers for the help before, during and after the fair. We could not put on such a great event without you!

Getting ready for you!

2008-08-11T19:55:00.000-07:00

Painting, sweeping, judging, repairing, weeding, sweeping, watering...

It's all happening in anticipation of the 84th Island County Fair!

We hope to see you!

Attention Children of All Ages...

2008-08-07T13:36:00.000-07:00

Do you like to build really cool things with Legos??? Has your Mother ever stepped on a stray Lego??? Do you drool every time you walk by the Lego aisle at the toy store???

If you answered yes to any of the above questions (or even if you didn’t): CONGRATULATIONS! You qualify to participate in the Island County Fair Lego Contest!

Sign-ups for this contest will be held in the Pole Building this Saturday, August 9 from 1 to 7 p.m. A limited number of spots are available in each division, so sign up early. Fairgoers may check to see if open spots are still available to compete in their age division at 9:45 a.m. on Friday, August 15, in the Pole Building. As the contest will be scheduled between stage performances on Friday, August 15, starting times have not yet been determined.

Age Divisions: 4-6; 7-9; 10-12; 13+

Click here for more information.

Open Class Exhibit Entry Days Right Around the Corner...

2008-08-04T22:29:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, August 9, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., we will be accepting exhibits in the Pole Building for the following classes:

Food Preservation
Needlework
Quilting
Sewing
Photography
Adult Arts & Crafts
Junior Arts & Crafts
Primary Arts & Crafts
Fiber Arts
Rocks & Gems
Homemade Wine
Beer, Cider & Other
Educational Displays
Fair Logo Design

Wednesday, August 13, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., we will be accepting exhibits for the following departments:

Baked Goods
Floral
Fruits
Vegetables
Grains & Grasses

Register your exhibits online at home before the fair and you won't have to wait in line to register them at the fair! We will just have to verify you have pre-registered your exhibits (please bring your receipt) and you can drop them off with the department superintendent. Click here to register your exhibits online now!

Half Price Thursday!

2008-08-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

Looking for something to keep your teenager busy this summer?

2008-07-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

Have them apply to work at the Fair. ta-da! Get them out of your hair and into ours!

Interested parties should call the Fair Office at (360) 221-4677 or email.

2008-07-28T20:00:00.000-07:00

Participating as a buyer in the 4H Livestock Auction is a great way to get naturally, humanely, locally grown meats for your freezer and to support the 4H Market Animal Project members.

Saturday, August 16, 12:00 pm

Livestock Arena, Island County Fairgrounds

Beef, Lamb, Pork, and Goat will be offered for bidding. Beef is available in quarters, and groups can go in together to purchase lamb, pork and goat too!

For more information, contact the WSU Extension Office at 360-240-5558, or visit the livestock barns or the WSU Extension Booth at the Fair.

Put your mark on the 2009 Fair!

2008-07-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

Enter a Logo Design in the Fair this year. It may be selected for the 2009 Fair! Logos awarded a blue or red ribbon at the fair are put in for selection at the November Island County Fair Association meeting. The winner receives a $50.00 cash prize as well as having their design used for advertising and marketing for the 2009 Fair.

To participate, bring your finished logo to the Fair Saturday, August 9 from 1PM to 7PM. Logos will be judged and hung in the Pole Building. Fairgoers will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite during the fair.

Here are some tips in creating a successful logo design:

1. Keep it simple. The logo sets the theme for the Fair. The logo is going to be printed on t-shirts, hats, advertisements, schedules, etc., so it should be clean and fun.

2. Only two or three colors are used during the Fair so make sure the logo can be used with limited colors. (It’s easier for the judges to visualize what it will look like if it’s black and white.)

3. It must have a slogan. Keep the slogan short. The slogan is a catch phrase and does not have to rhyme. In fact, some of the more fun slogans don't rhyme.

4. It must include the phrase 'Island County Fair' and '2009'.

5. You can use any medium to create your logo: drawing, watercolor, computer, cut and paste, etc.

6. Check the Premium Book for further rules and instructions.

Good luck!

Fun with the Real Mr. Potato Head!

2008-07-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

Deer Lagoon Grange and South Whidbey Tilth invite everyone to participate in the Open Class Vegetable Veggie Critter categories (pages 21-22 in the Premium Book) and they are putting their talent and produce at your disposal.

Demonstrations and hands-on help will be available on August 9 from 10am to 2 pm at the Tilth Saturday Market on Highway 525 and Thompson Road, just north of Bayview.

'Grange Bux' will be distributed to Critter Creators aged 18 and younger to select from among the unusual veggies Tilth farmers will offer decorators for this fun Fair pre-party.

Questions? Call Chuck Prochaska at (360) 221-3110.

Neil Diamond and Willie Nelson at the 2008 Fair?

2008-07-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

Although these legendary performers will not appear on the Midway stage this year, you can still enjoy their concerts live! A drawing will be held each day of the Fair for a pair of tickets to hear these phenomenal artists:

Thursday Night Drawing:

CHICAGO at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville on August 23

Friday Night Drawing:

FrankiE Valli and The Four Seasons at the Puyallup Fair on September 17

Saturday Night Drawing:

WILLIE NELSON at Marymoor Park in Redmond on August 28

Sunday Night Drawing:

NEIL DIAMOND at Key Arena in Seattle on September 24

Daily admission to the Fair includes one entry ticket for that day’s concert drawing. Upon entry to the fairgrounds, fairgoers will receive a ticket to fill out and deposit in the drawing box which will be located near the hospitality room next to the Eva Mae Gabelein Midway Stage. Fairgoer must be present to win. Only one entry per person per day allowed. Drawings will be held nightly on the Eva Mae Gabelein Midway Stage during the headliner’s performance.

Going Green

2008-07-06T22:53:00.000-07:00

Green: it’s more than currency or an eco lifestyle.

Think John Deere.

The Island County Commissioners blended all three concepts into one tidy package when they recently approved the purchase of a John Deere 4120 for use at the Island County Fairgrounds. The Deere replaces an old Kioti that replaced an old Ferguson, which now resides in the antique barn.

Impetus for the acquisition was the planned construction of a composting station on the fairgrounds to manage the manure produced year-round at the facility. Trundling all the animal waste from various barns to the compost site met with head shakes and long faces from Fair Board members. A new tractor was needed to streamline the process.

Although the Island County Fair is self-sufficient, receiving no taxpayer funding through County coffers, there was scant room in the budget to purchase the green dream.

At the urging of Island County Commissioner Phil Bakke, the Commissioners tapped their contingency fund to turn the dream into reality. “I was so excited to be able to do something nice for the Island County Fair, since they take such good care of the County’s property and provide so many opportunities for the youth of Island County,” Bakke said.

Bakke was on hand for the delivery, and took a turn at the wheel before relinquishing it to eager fair hands. The clean green machine glistened as Jerry Reuble of Barnett Implements detailed the operation of the practically foolproof equipment. Included with the tractor was a new drag for the arena, to replace the ancient one held together with baling wire and rust. The dust had barely settled from unloading it before Leandra Reuble hopped into the driver’s seat and moved the drag to the arena for use at the 4-H horse show on Saturday.

Reuble said, “This is just the beginning. We’re going to find all kinds of uses for this tractor.”

Get 'Em Before They're Gone!

2008-07-06T22:40:00.000-07:00

Paradise Amusements is once again offering a presale ticket deal for the Island County Fair carnival. From now until August 3, advance purchase entitles thrillseekers to 10 hours of rides for $17 at the Fair August 14-17.

Here's how it works: Buy a presale ticket for $17, bring it to the Fair and exchange it at the carnival ticket booth inside the fairgrounds for a wristband good for one session. There are two sessions per day. Hours for the first session are noon to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. The second session runs from 5 p.m. to closing Thursday through Sunday. Presale tickets entitle bearer to wristbands for both sessions. Each ticket is valid for one day of the Fair only.

Tickets are available at all island branches of both Whidbey Island Bank and AlaskaUSA Federal Credit Union, or at the Fair office from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. There is no limit to the number of presale tickets each person may buy. For more information, call the Fair office at 221-4677.

No ride wristbands will be sold at the Fair this year, so this is your only chance to get great value at a tremendous savings over ride tickets. Presale ends Sunday, August 3. After that, it's the full-price deal … so get yours now!

Note: Purchase of carnival ticket does not include admission to the fair.

Doesn't this wall look lonely?

2008-06-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

You can help make it better!

Build a birdhouse, bring it to the fair and we’ll hang it on the wall. An award for the birdhouse with the most votes from fairgoers Thursday, Friday and Saturday during the fair will be given before noon Sunday, August 17. You have the choice to leave your birdhouse at the fair permanently or you can take it home after the fair.

Here’s the rules:

The birdhouse can be made out of anything. It must be wall hung and ready to hang.

Bring it to the Pole Building Saturday, August 9, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Do you have a few hours to spare this summer?

2008-06-16T22:28:00.000-07:00

We have small odd jobs around the fairgrounds that need to be worked on. Weeding, painting, sweeping, pulling nails & staples and taking down old signs are just a few things we need to get done before August. Please stop by or contact the Fair Office if you want to help.

Cyberspace, the Final Frontier!

2008-06-09T20:59:00.000-07:00

We have gone high tech! We have posted the Premium Book online and will be running an Online Entry system for the 2008 Island County Fair. You can now register your exhibits online anytime at home from now until August and drop them off at the fair on Entry Day. Click here to check it out.

You can find a list of entry dates and times in the Premium Book.

Spring has Sprung!

2008-04-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

Join us this weekend for the Country Spring Crafts & Antiques Faire. Find the perfect Mother’s Day gift! The 4-H Building will be chalk full of antiques and hand crafted gifts. We are even going to have a plant sale.

Load up the car and swing on by the fairgrounds Friday, April 25, 1PM to 7PM and Saturday, April 26, 10AM to 3PM. See you there!

Landscape Challenge

2008-03-13T06:47:00.000-07:00

Wanna help beautify the fairgrounds without lifting a shovel? Check out the Landscapers Challenge Contest! We were able to put it together and run it a couple years ago with great interest. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to get someone to help to get it off the ground since. The following link is a draft of the rules and application. Please contact the Fair Office if you are interested in helping out with this contest or other projects at the fair.

If you are a commercial landscaper or designer and think you might be interested in participating in the event we are able to have this contest, submit an application.

Rules & Application (.pdf, 300 KB)

Happy planting!

Help Needed!

2008-02-26T22:26:00.000-08:00

We sure could use some friendly folks to help us out at the fair. The following link is a description for Gatekeepers. We need 4 to 12 volunteers for this position. If you think you would be interested please email the fair office or call (360) 221-4677.

Gatekeepers.pdf (.pdf, 133 KB)

There’s lots of work to do that may reflect your interests, abilities and energy. Many tasks do not require specialized training or long hours, just a desire to put on the best fair in the Puget Sound area. We will be posting more projects & descriptions in upcoming weeks. If you want to find out how you can help, contact the fair office.

See you soon!

Oh Joy! She did it!

2007-11-15T07:58:00.000-08:00

You may have noticed that our website has had a little facelift! Congratulations to Joy Smith! Her logo received the most votes at Monday’s Fair Association meeting. The logo and the slogan ‘Meet Us at the Gate!’ will be the theme for the 2008 Island County Fair. The colors will be barn red and denim blue. Among other things, Joy is the open class superintendent of Sewing and Needlework. Way to go Joy!

New Association officers were selected at the meeting. Pictured (l-r) are Barbara Pearson, Secretary; Bill Carruthers, Treasurer; Diane Divelbess, President; Ken Schillinger, Board Member and Klass Zuiderbann, Board Member. Lynda Knapp (not pictured) is Vice President.

Other happenings at the meeting was a special appearance by the Pink Ladies from Fair Convention showcasing the First Place and Sweepstakes Grand Awards we won for the Scrapbook. The only point taken off the score was because it’s heavy. That means it’s packed with stuff from the 2007 Fair. You should swing by the Fair Office sometime and check it out. You might even find yourself in there! Judi Slepyan was also on hand with the 2nd Place ribbon she won for her photo submission of Karen Quest. Check it out in the October 22nd blog!

All in all, it was a great meeting! Listen, if you’re reading this and you’re feeling like you missed out on all the fun, don’t be sad, consider joining the Fair Association! We are always looking for volunteers. It’s fun and exciting and it helps your Fair. Email us if you would like more information.

Just like the North Pole, but at the Fair!

2007-11-08T22:40:00.000-08:00

Ah the holidays! Ferry lines, traffic, parking, waiting in line...

Forget that! How about a fun, carefree Christmas shopping experience right in your own back yard? Well, not exactly in your back yard, but at Country Christmas! It's the Island County Fair Association's one and only fund raiser for the year.

You will be able to shop for antiques, collectibles and quality gifts hand made by local crafters. Maybe even your neighbor. Seriously, your neighbor is down in her basement right now making stuff for Country Christmas just like Santa's elves at the North Pole!

So, save that ferry money, grab a friend and join us at the Island County Fair.

Friday, November 23, 2PM - 7PM with a $1.00 donation for a preview
Saturday, November 24 and Sunday, November 25, 10AM - 3PM
Saturday December 1 and Sunday December 2, 10AM - 3PM

Who knows maybe you'll see some of your other friends there and you can all enjoy a bowl of soup and a piece of pie while you listen to the sounds of happy Christmas shopping!

Reward your neighbor for her hard work - buy local!

What would you like to see at the fair?

2007-10-22T14:35:00.000-07:00

We just returned from the Washington State Fair Convention in Yakima. The theme this year was Cruisin' to Yakima. Even Elvis and the Pink Ladies made an appearance!

We won some cool awards too:

1st Place & Sweepstakes Grand: Scrapbook
1st Place & Sweepstakes Grand: Hat
1st Place: Website
2nd Place: Color Photo/ Entertainment Division taken by Judi Slepyan (shown below)

You can check out the scrapbook at the Fair Office. It will be in the History Booth during the fair with all the past scrapbooks.

The Convention is a great opportunity to attend workshops, view different entertainment showcases and talk to people from other fairs in the state. We are able to find out what the public is responding to and what is working for other fairs. Our goal is to provide you with a low cost, fun, family experience.

Here's where you come in. We are getting ready to put together the entertainment for the 2008 Fair. What would YOU like to see? What kind of entertainment acts would you like to have at the fair? What kind of activities would you like to see at the fair? What would make the fair a better experience for you? This is your opportunity to let us know what you want. Please email us and let us know your thoughts.